The UP Asian Center will host the book talk, "Preserving Legacies: An Introduction of the MCM Santamaria Book Collection" and formal turnover to the Asian Center Library on 20 June 2025, 1 PM to 3 PM (GMT+8), at the Seminar Hall, Hall of Wisdom, Asian Center, UP Diliman. The event is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register online.
ABOUT THE BOOK COLLECTION
The Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman will formally introduce and turnover the the Matthew Constancio Santamaria (MCM) book collection to the Asian Center Library. Taking place at the Asian Center Seminar Room, the event will feature a special mini-exhibition of selected books from the collection.
The talks will delve into the profound significance of rare materials in academic research and address the unique challenges in establishing and maintaining institutional collections. Researchers and visitors will have the opportunity to view these rare materials at the Asian Center Library. All books from the MCM collection will be strictly designated for "Room Use Only" and cannot be borrowed or taken out of the library.
This event is part of the celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of the UP Asian Center.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
MATTHEW M. SANTAMARIA, Doctor of Law
Professor, Asian Center, UP Diliman
Dr. Matthew Santamaria is a Professor at the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman, where he shares his expertise in Japanese politics, culture, and society. He earned his Doctor of Law and Master of Law in Political Science from the Graduate School of Law at Kyoto University, Japan, and holds a Master in International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Dr. Santamaria's academic journey reflects a profound commitment to understanding the political and cultural dynamics of Japan and Southeast Asia.
Specializing in politics, performance studies, and the cultures of Japan and Southeast Asia, Dr. Santamaria has made significant contributions to these fields through both scholarship research and creative pursuits. His research interests include Sama-Bajau studies and Philippine culture, with notable publications such as "Pag-jamu Boheh Deya: Interrogating 'Property' in the Sama Tabawan Music and Dance Ritual of the Sacred Well." Beyond academia, he co-directed and choreographed Tanghalang Ateneo's "Sintang Dalisay," showcasing his dedication to integrating performance art with cultural studies. In recognition of his artistic achievements, Dr. Santamaria was appointed as a UP Artist, underscoring his dual impact as a scholar and artist.
ALESSANDRA A. GUIMBA
Librarian, University Library, UP Diliman
Alessandra A. Guimba is a librarian at the University of the Philippines Diliman Library. She graduated from Silliman University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in Management, and became a registered librarian in 2010. Her interest in librarianship was nurtured during her undergraduate studies, when she worked as a student assistant at the then SU Main Library—now known as the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library in 2008. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Library and Information Studies program at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
